Bucs Had Private Workout with Eric Kendicks

Could the Bucs bypass needs at defensive end and offensive line to grab UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks in the 2nd round?

The Buccaneers might be the talk of the league leading up to the NFL Draft with the 1st overall selection, but the real surprise will be where the Bucs decide to go with their 2nd round pick.

We all know the Bucs will take a quarterback with the 1st pick in the draft, but they could go in a number of different ways at the top of round two. Offensive line and defensive end seem like their biggest areas of need, but the Bucs could decide they need a future star at middle linebacker to lead their defense.

"He went to Cal, and so did my brother, so there was a little correlation there," Kendricks said, referring to his older brother and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks.

"He was one of the best. He looks like he could still play. You can tell he definitely was a baller."

The Buccaneers recently signed the injury prone Bruce Carter to a 4-year deal to be their middle linebacker, but if Kendricks is available at the top of the 2nd round, the Bucs might have a big decision on their hands.

Kendricks is a quick linebacker who plays with excellent instincts and is a sure tackler. He's an emotional leader and would be a nice addition to the young Bucs defense.

Could the Bucs afford to put off addressing defensive end and offensive line until the 3rd round? Well, the old saying is to take the best player available, and if he's available, Kendricks might just be the best player on the board in round two for the Bucs.